Who am I??

I'm a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a sister in law, emergency services servant, a piano player, Bama fan(Roll Tide), a Trisomy 18 mom, a tight wad, a "Type A" controller, a researcher, an internet junkie, a reader, an awesome grilled cheese maker, a celebrity gossip junkie, a horrible driver. I am all those things and more. Most importantly I am God's child.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11

Disclaimer

The simple fact that a link appears on my page does not mean that I agree with every single thing on that site. Please don't send me "hate mail" if you find something you don't agree with when you surf off this site. (Thanks Dad!)

Saturday, January 31, 2009

I saw this handy dandy item a few months back, and thought then that I should blog about it. But, I felt a little like a dork taking a picture of it in the parking lot. So, I waited until there was definitely no one around before I wipped out my trusty "bat-camera"(a few of you will get the joke, Donna I will explain Monday)and snapped away.

This little cart is now available for use at the Food Lion near our house. I don't shope there much, but if I just need a thing or two and I'm on the way home I will swing in. That was the case last night when I used the BEST INVENTION EVER!

These darling carts are absolutely adorable. Whoever thought this up should get a Nobel Peace Prize. Now I never have to make the difficult decision of cart or basket? I only need 2 items so the cart is too big and the 6 pack of Dt. Mtn Dew will crush the loaf of Arnold's 15 grain, black sesame seed, oh so tasty bread. But, if I get a basket then I will see hamburger meat and laundry detergent at what would basically be considered a steal. Do you understand my dilemma? I have spent hours debating over whethere to use the cart or the basket.

Now, my dilemma is solved for me. Food Lion has taken out all of the guess work.

OK, so that was a really long post about this nifty blue buggy. It's definitely time for bed. Have a great Worship day tomorrow.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

So, I got dinged because I haven't blogged in a few days. I have no excuse, it's been a completely normal few days. Which for us is completely abnormal. So today I will blog about a few random things.

Clayton has a new tooth. One of his top front teeth broke the gum yesterday. He's pretty excited about it because now he can grind this new tooth on his bottom teeth. This drives his mother CRAZY(She doesn't know what she has chosen to type in the third person, but she likes it, and may continue). The sound of grinding teeth makes her skin crawl. Honestly, this sounds make her want to yack(professional term).

Chad bought me a new devotional book. I was shocked, surprised, and really impressed by this gift. As afore mentioned, Chad is not incredibly romantic. He tries very hard and is much better than in the past. Anyway, he brought home one of the Women of Faith devotion books. This one's about stress and worry. I wonder why he thought I might need that? Think, think, think. Oh yeah, he lives with me and knows I worry and stress about EVERYTHING. I don't just mean the big things like finances, food, and family matters. I mean like whether or not I left the dryer running, or if the door is locked when we go to bed. It's an issue I have. God is helping me. Anywho, thanks babe. I really appreciate it.

We're going on a mission trip in August to Wyoming. I'm very excited. And, we get to take Clayton with us. Even more excited. I have never been to Wyoming, and I want to hit every state before I croak. I think we get to go to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons(is that one and the same, I don't know?) too. Very very cool.

It's raining today. I like rainy days much better that sunny days. Do I need counseling? Probably.

I am very proud of myself for eating correctly for almost 1 whole month. I have lost 6 pounds. Day to day, meal to meal. We can do this. Yes we can! No weight loss this week, but all you girls out there know why. No gain, just no loss either. Sigh!!

OK, so that's probably enough for now. Have a great one. Jesus loves you. Me too.

Friday, January 23, 2009

So, right now Chad and I are in his office at church. Cutting things. We are attempting to make a bulletin board for our church with the pics of the Father / Daughter Formal. I finished my part of the project, because I'm the queen. Chad's still working on his part. In his words he cuts like a 3rd grader. I'm just glad he's helping, and I don't have to cut everything. Awesome.

By the way. Chad rarely ever checks in on the blogosphere. So, since I'm posting while he's sitting here, he's a little nervous. I don't know why he should be nervous do you? Hehe(maniacal laugh)

OK, from the post title you might be thinking that I won 10 million dollars. Close, very close. Christen at allbecauseofgrace.blogspot.com dinged me with this prestigious honor. So, here goes. Wish me luck. May I do the award justice, and make everyone proud.

The rules of the award:1) Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design.2) Show the 7 winners names and links on your blog, and leave a comment informing them that they were prized with "Honest Scrap." Well, there's no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon.3)

List at least 10 honest things about yourself.

Rule #1 and Rule #2(the 7 blogs for 7 brides, or something like that)(and I don't know how to upload links, so you'll have to do the leg work yourself,see I really am the winner)

Mom at cablecarr.blogspot.com

JamieLynn at jamielynn-carswell.blogspot.com

Donna at djmull2.blogspot.com

Heather at lilredmomma.blogspot.com

OK, so it's not 7, but it's a decent start. I'm a loser baby, what can I say.

Now, to the 10 honest things about me. This should be very good(or not)!

I love football, and Inside the NFL on Showtime. That is the coolest sports wrap-up show. It's just awesome, and they have this really cool announcer voice that recaps the weeks events.

I need order and structure, in every facet of my life, or I honestly panic. I don't like that about myself, and with God's help I'm working on it.

I can't say the word "mush". I have no clue why, but I just can't do it.

This one is very shameful to admit. Only in the last 2 years have I read my Bible and prayed daily. See, I told you it was shameful. It honestly makes me wonder why my God saw fit to love and save me, knowing how disrespectful I would be to Him.

I hope Clayton's hair stays red.

My mom is my best friend, and one of the few that I have.

I worry, A LOT. About things that don't even matter. This is my crippling sin.(I'm just being honest, and you are all my friends, right? Right?)

I struggle with my weight, and food every day of my life. I have for quite a few years now, and imagine I will for many more years to come.

I like good beef. I love a good steak, and I like to eat it like a boy. No well done stuff for me. No Sir! Rare or Medium Rare. I don't need a potato, or salad with my steak either. Just beef. I like it best without steak sauce. I want to taste the meat. I don't mind paying a lot for it either.

I make awesome grilled cheese sandwiches. I'm a gourmet chef in training.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

As promised, here are the professional pics from the Father / Daughter Formal our church was privileged to host last Saturday. Daddy and me. A girl will never, ever, ever, out grows her daddy. Love You Papa!

Dylan, taking orders. Very well might I add.

Prayer time, that means it's almost time to eat. And eat we did. The food was AWESOME!

Chow Down!

Ms. Priss. This pic tickles me, she looks so grown up, and so tiny all at the same time.

Patiently waiting. Chad, please hurry with that blessing.

I think you might know these two. Don't they make a cute couple?

This is Stay at Home Mommy's oldest daughter, and her husby. Ms. Princess was the youngest daughter to attend, but she might have been the most adorable(besides me of course).

Our boys, very hard at work!

The gentlemen that served our dinner. They did a phenomenal job.

Obviously we had a great time. Thanks to everyone who made this event such a success.

On this date last year I came home and found my husband conscious, but unresponsive. In retrospect, that was the single worst day I have had thus far. At the time, I didn't have time to process any thoughts. I immediately went into disaster avoidance mode. Here's our story, in my words. Chad's would probably be a little different(not very much though), but since it's my blog I'm telling it my way.

I was 8/9 months pregnant. Clayton was born around 3 weeks later, so you do the math. I'm not good at it, and it's not really relative anyway. Chad had experienced 2 episodes of hypoglycemic coma in the past 3 days. A hypoglycemic coma is the term that used to refer to a critical low blood sugar level, and generally the person experiencing the low blood sugar does not know what is happening. It's like the blood sugar drops, and the brain goes in to survival mode only. I don't know if this is actually the case, but it almost seems like the brain stem that controls rudamentary function(breathing and heart function) is the only thing that works. Now, before you get all smart on me, and think something like "if he's been a diabetic for 10 years, and his blood sugar is getting low, then why doesn't he just eat some food?" I really wish it worked that way, but sometimes for Chad it doesn't. As a conjunction to his diabetes, Chad has a condition called Hypoglycemic Unawaredness. It's 2 big words that basically mean he can't tell when his blood sugar is getting low.

Anyway, Chad had already had 2 of these episodes over the weekend, and the Monday before. They completly drain your body, and he says they feel like you have a severe hangover(never drank alcohol, so I wouldn't know). Chad had stayed home from school that day, because he felt so poorly. I had called him around 10am to check in with him and see how he was feeling. At 10am he was fine. I had an errand to run at lunch(I think that's what I do every day at lunch time) so I had not planned to go home. I also wasn't going to call because Chad hates to be babied. But, really who likes to be babied besides babies. I ran my errand and was heading back to work, and just thought to call home. I didn't get an answer, but that's not incredibly unusual either. I didn't think much about it. But the closer I got to the office the more I felt: Rephrase: God told me that I needed to call again. I didn't get an answer a second time, or third, or fourth, or tenth for that matter(yes, I called 10 times in a matter of about 10 minutes). I decided I needed to get home and find out what was going on. Thank the Lord that He speaks directly to His children, and tells us what to do. Thank the Lord that I listened, because I don't always do that either.

I made my way home, very unsafely, and entirely too quickly. The Lord kept me safe though. I ran(or more like jiggled/bounced) into the house and found Chad. He couldn't respond to me, look at me, squeeze my hand. He could do nothing. He was breathing, and he did have a pulse. I breathed a sigh of relief. Because this had happened before, I knew exactly what was happening. I immediately began to give him apple juice. Not easy for someone who's unresponsive. There's a 15 minute protocol for hypoglycemia. I followed that as closely as I could. After nearly 15 minutes, the situation had not changed. I began to give him more apple juice. Slowly, very slowly, he started to have eye movement. Not regular eye movement, very rapid eye movement. I thought at the time that he was having a seizure. I'm still inclined to believe that's what was happening. Seizures can occur with a hypoglycemic episode.

At this point I was worried about not getting his blood sugar up to a decent level before Chad lost consciousness, so I called 911. I ahve never in my life called 911, and hope I never have to again. Meanwhile, I kept pushing the apple juice and praying. The only cure for a low blood sugar is to introduce sugar back into the body and wait. I was honestly anticipating a trip to the hospital. Because of the amount of time that Chad had been down, I didn't expect things to go well at all.

The Lord had a different plan though. Almost as soon as the EMS pulled into our driveway, Chad's eyes opened and he was responsive. I was amazed that he came back(that's what we call it anyway) so quickly. Of course, he had to deal with all of the side effects of the hypoglycemic coma, and believe me they are not pleasant. But, they beat permanent coma, or death, which looked at the time to be very close.

I did not realize at the time, how close I came to losing Chad. I know that he would go to Heaven when dies, but I don't want that day to be anytime soon. I need him too much. And yes I know the Lord provides strength, but I still want the husby here with me. Selfish yes, but he's my husband I can be selfish over him. He's my best friend, the best daddy to Clayton, the only person that can deal with my neurocies on a daily basis(for they are many), the only person I want to sleep beside at night, the only one that I want to come home too, and so very much more.

The rest of 2008 was very eventful, but we came out in 2009 better people. We love, value, and cherish each other so much more after facing the possible loss of a part of our whole. We have a deeper dependence on each other, and most definitely on our God. He is merciful, and graceful. He could and can take either one of us home to Heaven at any time, but for now, He has chosen to let us be together and work for Him. I enjoy my life immensely. Wouldn't change a thing.

I am glad to have experienced all of the heartache and hurt that we have. It makes the sunny days brighter, and God's love even bigger.

Chad, I Love You, I'm glad you stuck around for me and Clayton. I don't tell you enough(or ever because that would mean I had to admit I can't do everything myself) how much I need you. You are the brightest day, and the best night.

Monday, January 19, 2009

OK, blog ring buddies I have a mission for us. From my blog roll on your right, please link to Kelly's Korner. She and her husband were blessed with a little girl last week named Harper. Harper was a full term baby, but has major heart and lung issues. Please go to her site, read their story, and pray for this little girl and her family. Their story touched me, as I have a perfectly healthy little boy. I can't imagine the emotions they must be experiencing. Please pray that God's plan will be accomplished for this family, and that they have the wisdom to accept whatever He has planned for them!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

On Saturday evening our church hosted a Father / Daughter Formal. The event was great. The girls were absolutely gorgeous. I hope to have the portraits that were taken of the girls and their fathers soon. When I have them I will definitely post them. But, for now here are the pics that I snapped before the event got started.

First, we have most of the older guys from our youth group. They served our drinks, meal, dessert, and they helped clean up too. Don't they look great with their bow ties?Various pictures of the beautiful decorations that Carrie and Tonya did for us. The pictures don't do justice to the look of the room. It was so very elegant.Each girl was given a bouquet, and each father was given a boutonnière. And then a few more pics of the tables, so that you can see the detail. I can't repeat that everything was beautiful.

I hope everyone that was involved in making this event a success knows how appreciative I am of the participation. Without all of their help, Chad and I could not have pulled off this Formal. I believe everyone had a great time and enjoyed themselves. I really wish you could have been there, and seen the girls dressed to the nines.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Hi M and M Mommy. Glad you joined our little addiction. Don't believe the hype about this being all my fault. Have Amy fix your comments, so you can receive my glorious words of wisdom, thoughts on life, hilarious anecdotes. On, second thought you might not want to fix those comments.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

So, I may or may not be blogging while I should be working, but that's beside the point. Anyway, I cruised over to "Stuff Christians Like" and, low and behold if someone else doesn't share my view point about "blogonese" and "textanese"(refer to previous blog entry about my least favorite things). But, as you can tell, I have no problem making up new words that mean absolutely nothing. I digrss (that seems to happen an awful lot).

Anyway, he has a blog post about emoticons(that's a real word, not one from my head), text abbreviations, and what not. However, he changed the meanings to have Christian meanings attatched to the abbreviations. So very funny. I have a link to his page in the blog roll to your right.

For those of you that are having trouble with others not being able to post comments to your blog(Amy, Tracy, and Jamie). I am here to help you. I can fix it, but I have to looking at your dashboard, so I will need to be with you to fix it. It's simple I just have to look at mine and yours at the same time. I think is has something to do with the background. I had the same trouble with mine. It's a quick fix, and I can be the fixer. Why? Because I'm just that cool(modest too). OK, that's my PSA for today.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

A little earlier this afternoon Preacher Hugh Kincaid celebrated his homegoing. He is now, and forever with His(and mine too) Lord and Savior. This is a bittersweet occasion. Bitter for his family that now have to live their lives without this precious man. But, oh so sweet for Preacher Kincaid.

Please remember his family in your prayers. They are a wonderful family, and they know where their father is, but I would imagine these days will be difficult.

I believe the hymn by William Featherstone sums up a Christian's life perfectly, from salvation to homegoing.

Friday night evening we went to a restaurant called The Woodshed. It's a steak house in Stanley, NC. Very good eats. I highly recommend it. It's definitely worth the drive and the expense. Anyway, while we were there we had to take some pics. I took them just for you guys.

It's almost like he's saying, "Hey, Mom, over here, don't forget to take my picture while you have your camera out." It really did happen like that. I had asked Dad to take a picture of Jamie and me, and I didn't take a picture of Clayton before I put the camera up. Gasp, I know. So, he grunted at me to take his picture. He seriously did grunt at me to take his picture.

This is Chad's sister Jamie. She's the tall one on your left with the really pretty hair. I still don't think she resembles Chad at all. Which may be great for her sake since she is a girl. Anyway, she is one of the funniest people I know, and has the most pure and innocent heart. Love It.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Way back in September I blogged about my hopes for a great football season. It was great, and now it's over. There are still a few more games ahead of us, but the teams Chad and I watch are done until 8/09.

The Tide fell to Florida for the SEC Championship, and then again to Utah in the Sugar Bowl. The Florida game was great, and Alabama did great. Sugar Bowl, not so great. Let's say the losers creed together: "Maybe next year"

I wasn't sure what the Panthers were gonna be able to do this year, but I was hopeful. And then after the season got underway, and Mohammed and Smith were in great sync, I was really hopeful for at least the NFC Championship, and maybe just maybe the Superbowl(wow, what a sentence). Well, they too let me down on Saturday evening. It was a pitiful game. I have been a Delhomme fan for a while now. Defended him and his quarterbacking abilities to my husband. After Saturday, I think I might need to rethink my official position. It really was a pitiful sight. What to do? I don't know. It was just sad.

Then, on Sunday we caught just a few minutes(and I mean less than 15 of game time) of the Giants and Eagles game. I got to see my first safety ever. I've heard talk of the safety, but never realized the potential of sacking the QB in the endzone. I was very excited to get to see that. So then, I was hopeful that Eli Manning(the Manning's fascinate me, I don't really know why, but I find them interesting) could lead the Giants to the NFC Championship, and maybe the Super Bowl for a 2nd year. Not happening.

So, I've been rolling an idea around in my mind for about a week now, and I don't know if I should do it or not. As the new year is upon us, I've thought about losing weight, getting healthy, living my best life now, counting points, living the zone, going carb-free, I think you get the point.

I've done pretty well since 1/1/09. Down 3 pounds. Except for a slip up last night at The Woodshed(which was awesome by the way) I am pretty proud of my 10 day accomplishment.

OK, I'll get to the point. I have thought about being brutally honest about my weight, and the issues that I have with my weight. I don't have a problem with me, I just honestly want to be a healthier person. I want Clayton to have a good example of health, and let's face it Chad and I aren't quite there. I'm not eating to mask some horrible secret from my childhood, because I'm not happy with my life, because I'm sad or depressed. I just like to eat, and I like to eat a lot of really good food.

My thought on the incredible honesty is the accountability I would have with my blog buddies. Anyway, it's just a number right? The support from my besties would be great too. I haven't made up my mind just yet, but I'm seriously considering it. Feedback would be nice.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

I saw this on another blog ring that I read and I want to impliment it on mine. And since I control this blog I can do whatever it is that my little heart desires. Here's how it goes. Pay attention, read carefully, and follow the rules to the letter. Are you ready? Is the suspense too much for you now?

1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer

Monday, January 5, 2009

Finally, we are getting back to a routine. Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas. I love all that is stands for and symbolizes. I love family getting together, all the food that is so great, and of course presents. Then there is the excitement of the New Year. All of that is great. But...................................

I LIKE MY ROUTINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am very set in my ways to be a young 26. But, I like things to be normal. I like a plan and a purpose. I like to be able to look at my calendar and know what's coming up in the next few weeks. I like to know what my entire day holds if at all possible. I like order and preparedness(and big words). OK, after reading these last few sentences I sound like an old stick in the mud, who freaks out every time there is a wrinkle in MY plan. Lord, please help me. I mean that as a prayer, and not just a funny sentence. I'm a serious Type A. Some days it works to my advantage, and some days it doesn't.

Last year January was a little topsy-turvy for us. I am hoping and praying this January is not the same. If it is then that's OK too. God knows what's best for me.

We do have some cool things coming up at church, and some cool things happening for our youth. I'll of course keep you posted.

Friday, January 2, 2009

So the title means absolutely nothing. I'm not very creative and I can't always think up titles. I have big news though(well big for me and Clayton)

CHAD'S COMING HOME TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm a little excited. I had a great time with Gram and Papa, I really did. But, I miss the husby. He's a pretty cool guy, and a lot of fun. Also, let's do a recap of the last few days, shall we?

Wednesday I had to work a few hours and then went to Gran and Papa's house and just hung out. Wednesday is of course church day so we went to church in the evening. After church Gram and I headed back to the house for our raucous New Year's Eve Party(read snoozing). Well, we ended up talking about everything and nothing instead, and the next time we looked at the clock it was midnight, 1/1/09. Honestly I have no idea where the time went, but it was a lot of fun. We talked a little more and then went off to bed about 1am. That is so incredibly late for me. I rarely ever see the early am hours. It wasn't smart for me to stay up that late then either, I must have had a mental slip and forgotten that Clayton would definitely be up around 8am, and he was. Say la vie.

Thursday, Gram and I went to Blowing Rock for a little shopping. She got an awesome bag. It's really cool, and I may be a little jealous. Maybe I'm a lot jealous. Sigh. I found GREAT deals at Gap for Chad and Clayton. And for Mommy(Me) some great prices on scrubs. Gotta have them, and i might as well look as fashionable as possible in shapeless, unizex, clothes.

Friday, has been an adventure already. Freak and unexpected freezing rain visited us in the early hours. It took me an hour and a half to make a half-hour drive in to work this morning. Bad wrecks and road closings everywhere. God saw me safely to work. He loves me, and His mercy is overwhelming most days.